Delta Regional Forum

Each summer the Delta Directions Consortium hosts the Delta Regional Forum, intended to engage researchers and practitioners working in and with partners in the region to learn from each other in the pursuit of sustainable community and economic development. The annual two-day conference features oral paper presentations, panels, and workshops.

The multi-state Delta region ranges from southern Missouri and Illinois to Louisiana and Mississippi. The people and places along the Mississippi Delta share similar values, culture, population characteristics, and economic circumstance, while there is also great diversity between and within states. Although the Delta is widely known for high poverty rates, geographic isolation, and health problems, it is also highly regarded for its rich cultures and innovative community-level initiatives. We have many lessons to learn from each other and to share with others regarding our development successes and challenges, and we know that to overcome persistent problems new pathways and collaborative endeavors are needed.

The 2019 Delta Regional Forum, held July 18-19, 2019, in the beautiful and historic Coahoma County Higher Education Center in downtown Clarksdale, Mississippi, focused on “Population Health, Development, and Problem Solving through Social Entrepreneurship and Innovative Policy.”

2019 Delta Regional Forum Full Program